By Jackie McCord

On September 15, the Alexandria Adult Day Service Center will celebrate 30 years of enriching the lives of Alexandria seniors and their families. ADSC is an adult day program operated by the aging division of the city department of community and human services.

The program provides a structured, therapeutic and safe environment during the day to maintain or improve the physical health, mental functioning and daily living skills of adults 55 and older.

“Caregivers’ Reunion” is the theme for this 30th anniversary celebration, and ADSC will host an event to recognize and pay tribute to the wonderful caregivers that have supported and made ADSC an outstanding and award winning program.

ADSC will invite former and current caregivers, their families, friends and supporters of the program since its inception in 1986.

We at the center look forward with having all of our friends and ADSC family join us to celebrate this festive occasion to reunite, reminisce and share precious memories.

Every year, staff at the center takes pride in working hard to provide quality activity programs to keep our senior participants physically and mentally stimulated.

We have countless memories of our caregivers and their families. My only regret is not keeping a memoir.

The program also provides a safe haven for participants and peace of mind for family members that are still working or just need respite. Our caregivers have shared countless success stories about how the program has been beneficial in assisting them. Furthermore, the services and resources that ADSC provides have helped families with the difficult challenges of the aging process for their loved ones.

There are many people responsible for the thriving success of the program, but none are more important than our participants and caregivers. We want to thank all our caregivers for all of their support over the years, but especially thank them for being a part of the ADSC family.

The celebration will be held at the adult day program, located in the Lee Center at 1108 Jefferson St. The event will be from 4 to 6 p.m. and is open to the public. RSVP to Jackie McCord at 703-746-5676 or jackie.mccord@alexandriava.gov.

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The writer is the therapeutic recreation leader at the Alexandria Adult Day Service Center.